Indoor cycling is a great way to shift a few unwanted pounds, improve your overall endurance and boost your cardiovascular health. While these cycling benefits are great, it can be tricky to get started if you don’t understand the different bike options. So, in this article, we’ll delve into the magnetic resistance indoor bike to help you determine if it is the right option for you.
What is a Magnetic Resistance Indoor Bike?
While an indoor exercise bike may look like a road bike, it needs some form of resistance to simulate that road feel. As the name suggests, a magnetic resistance bike uses magnets to create the tension against the bike’s flywheel.
Back in the day, the only option for exercise bikes was to have contact resistance. This involved a leather or felt pad placing pressure with varying degrees of contact on the flywheel. You would need to twist a knob to adjust the tension according to your fitness level and work out preferences.
Unlike with contact resistance, the magnets don’t actually touch the flywheel. Instead, magnetic force varies the degree of resistance, as the magnets move closer or further from the flywheel. You can adjust the resistance with either a micro tension knob or electronically by setting the level on a digital screen or monitor.
The Benefits of Magnetic Resistance Bike Models
The main benefit of a magnetic resistance exercise bike is that the magnets can create a strong force to provide great resistance as you cycle. While you can adjust it to make the workout easier, you can be guaranteed a challenging training session. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about the magnets getting worn, as can happen with contact resistance pads.
Additionally, since there is no contact with the flywheel, magnetic resistance bikes operate virtually silently. This means that you don’t need to worry about disturbing members of your family or even your neighbors if you enjoy working out early in the morning or last thing at night.
Another benefit is that there is minimal maintenance compared to contact or friction resistance exercise bikes. You won’t need to remember to lubricate or dust the wheels to minimize wear and tear on the moving parts.
Finally, you can enjoy more precise resistance levels. If you’re looking to interval train or enjoy a spin class experience, you’re going to want to vary the resistance during your workout. Since you just need to adjust the level on a screen or move a knob, you can quickly increase or drop down the resistance to simulate climbing hills or riding smooth roads to get your heart pumping.
The Potential Drawbacks of a Magnetic Resistance Indoor Bike
The only real potential drawback of a magnetic resistance indoor bike is that they tend to be at the pricier end of the market, particularly when compared to direct contact bikes. However, for this higher price tag, you do tend to get more bells and whistles, such as LED displays, device compatibility and workout programs.
Who is a Magnetic Resistance Indoor Bike Best For?
Since they tend to be more costly, a magnetic resistance indoor bike is not likely to be a good option for someone wanting to spend as little as possible. If you’re simply after a basic exercise bike for the least amount of money, you should look at contact or friction resistance bikes.
However, if you are looking to emulate a gym spin class, with a variety of challenges during the workout, you’ll find a magnetic model easier to use. It will offer a smoother ride with minimal noise. So, it is also a good choice for those who like to cycle at unsociable hours or who live in an apartment with neighbors living below you who don’t appreciate noise.
What To Look for When Shopping for a Magnetic Resistance Indoor Bike
Once you’ve determined that you’d like a magnetic resistance exercise bike, there are a few things you need to consider before making your final purchase decision. These include:
A Comfortable Ride:
Whether you plan on taking intensive workout sessions or want to incorporate cycling into your interval training, you need to feel comfortable. Firstly, the seat needs to be comfortable for you. If the seat is too hard, it may cause back pain or even numbness in your feet and legs. It is also a good idea to look for a bike with an adjustable seat and handlebars. This will ensure that you can find the perfect position for you.
Handlebar Style:
The ideal shape of the handlebars will depend on your usage. If you want to use the bike for more aerobic moves and weights, you will want sturdier handlebars with a weight rack, but if you want an indoor alternative to your road bike for when you can’t cycle outdoors, opt for a bike with drop down style handlebars.
Easy to Adjust Resistance:
We’ve discussed the resistance on this type of exercise bike and that it can be adjusted via a knob or screen. So, you’ll need to think about which you prefer for ease of use. This is a matter of personal preference, as some people prefer an old school knob that you can simply lean over and adjust as you’re cycling. However, the tech savvy are more likely to prefer a tap of a screen.
Stability:
It is crucial that your new exercise bike is stable so you can remain safe as you cycle. You don’t want a bike that is so lightweight or flimsy that it shifts as you’re riding, as it could put you at risk of injury. Check the maximum user weight and ensure that it is suitable for your current body weight.
Added Extras:
Finally, consider what added extras are included with the bike. This could include monitors, built in programs and workouts and other features that enhance the user experience. Even something as simple as a water bottle holder and shelf for your book or magazine can make the difference between a bike you can comfortably use and one that is annoying.
A magnetic resistance indoor bike can be a great way to improve your fitness in your own home, but it is important to choose the right model for your needs. However, if you take the time to assess your options, you’re sure to choose a piece of equipment that can last for many years to come.